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Onion Smash Burgers Recipe

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3.9 from 130 reviews

These Onion Smash Burgers are a perfect blend of sweet caramelized onions, spicy jalapenos, and juicy grass-fed beef or turkey patties. Cooked on a cast iron skillet and smashed thin for maximum char and flavor, they are topped with melted pepper jack cheese and a smoky chipotle mayo for a mouthwatering burger experience that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Burger and Toppings

  • 1 Tablespoon avocado oil or butter
  • 3 medium sweet onions, sliced thinly
  • 2-3 large jalapeno peppers, sliced thinly
  • 1 1/2 pounds grass-fed ground beef or turkey
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 6 slices pepper jack cheese, cut into 3-4 pieces each (optional)
  • Buns and toppings of choice

For the Chipotle Mayo

  • 2/3 cup avocado oil mayo
  • 1-2 Tablespoons chopped chipotles in adobo sauce
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions and Jalapenos: Heat a very large cast iron skillet or flat top cooking surface to medium-high heat. Add the avocado oil and all of the sliced sweet onions and jalapenos. When they start to take on some color, reduce the heat to medium low and cook for 15-20 minutes until the onions are deep golden brown and caramelized.
  2. Prepare the Burger Patties: While the onions caramelize, season the ground beef or turkey with kosher salt and smoked paprika. Mix gently to combine without overworking. Form the meat into 6 evenly sized patties. If using cheese, insert a few chunks of pepper jack into each patty, encasing the cheese inside. Set the patties aside.
  3. Make the Chipotle Mayo: In a small bowl, combine the avocado oil mayo, chopped chipotles in adobo sauce, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust by adding more chipotles if you prefer a spicier mayo. Set aside for serving.
  4. Smash and Cook the Burgers: Once the onions and jalapenos are caramelized, divide them into 6 equal piles in the skillet if there’s enough room. Place one burger patty on top of each pile and use a sturdy spatula or burger press to smash the patty very flat into the onions and jalapenos. If your cooking surface is smaller, remove half the onion and jalapeno mixture and cook the patties in batches of three.
  5. First Side Cooking: Cook the smashed patties for 2-3 minutes until the edges begin to brown and develop a crispy crust.
  6. Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip each burger along with the pile of onions and jalapenos underneath. Cook on the second side for another 3-4 minutes until the patties are cooked through and the cheese (if using) melts.
  7. Assemble the Burgers: Place each cooked patty and caramelized onion/jalapeno pile onto buns. Dress with your favorite toppings and spread the chipotle mayo on the buns to finish.

Notes

  • Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet or flat top griddle for best caramelization and crust on the burgers.
  • You can substitute ground turkey for beef to lighten the burger.
  • Adjust the amount of jalapenos and chipotle in the mayo to control the heat level.
  • If you don’t have chipotles in adobo, smoked paprika in the meat also adds smoky flavor.
  • Forming the patties gently prevents them from becoming tough.
  • Smashing thin ensures maximum crispy edges and flavor.
  • Leftover caramelized onions and jalapenos make great burger toppings or additions to eggs and sandwiches.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/onion-smash-burgers-recipe/